Nestled within Dubai’s towering skyscrapers is a Kapampangan-owned food store making a mark in the diverse culinaryscape of this bustling city – the Afford’aCup.
Meet Cris Sotto (architect), Ramona Mariano-Sotto (nurse), Aiza Mariano (accountant) and Jovito Mariano (architect) — all hailing from Porac and City of San Fernando in Pampanga. They are the culinary genius who decided to venture into the world of food business in Dubai with their passion for cooking and the desire to showcase the flavors of their hometown. The decision to start their own business was not an easy one. But their love for Kapampangan cuisine and their determination to succeed drove them to take the big leap into entrepreneurship.
“My journey began as an architect, working for various companies in UAE. I gained valuable experience and honed my skills, but I always knew that I wanted to do more. I wanted to build something of my own, and that’s when Afford’aCup was born,” Cris said.
“And when we finally opened our doors to the public, it was one of the most fulfilling moments in my life. Seeing people enjoy the food we carefully crafted, and the warm ambiance of the restaurant filled my heart with joy,” Aiza quipped.
And all the risks paid off. Their restaurant quickly gained a loyal following, with local and foreign customers raving about the authenticity and quality of their dishes. Word spread quickly, and soon they were attracting customers from as far as Ras Alkhaima, Abu Dhabi – a two-hour drive from Dubai.
What are Afford’aCup’s best sellers?
Halo- Halo Series
Every great dish must come with a satisfying dessert. Try on their rich and creamy ‘Ube Sensation’, the vibrant Mango mix or their unique ‘Avocado Blend’.
Cheese Bread
Their milky and fluffy baked delights melt in your mouth. A taste of home in every bite.
Palabok Fiesta (Pansit Palabok) – A taste of Philippine fiesta! This comfort food known as Pansit Luglug in Kapampangan is a crowd magnet leaving every diner’s taste buds bursting in joy.
Kapampangan Chicken Sisig
No egg and mayo. Afford’aCup’s authentic chicken sisig topped with green chili and sliced lime gives you a taste of Kapampangan homecooking.
Also being served here are Cheesy Baked Macaroni, Kare-Kare,Caldereta and Creamy Roasted Chicken, Beef Tapsilog, and their homemade Chicken Seafood Siomai.
“I strongly believe that our staff’s dedication and hard work have been crucial in the success of Afford’aCup. They take pride in their work and go above and beyond to ensure that our customers have a memorable dining experience. It’s not just about serving delicious food, but also about creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for our customers,” Jovito added. “The journey of building Afford’aCup from the ground up was not an easy one. There were sleepless nights, endless meetings, and countless roadblocks to overcome. However, our passion and determination never wavered, and with the support of our amazing team, we were able to turn our vision into a reality,” Ramona shared.
The owners also quoted that ‘many people in Dubai were not familiar with Kapampangan cuisine and had never tried it before‘. The challenge was not only introduce the cuisine but also to educate people about its history and its cultural significance. Aside from this, some of the key ingredients used in Kapampangan cuisine were not readily available in Dubai and this made it difficult for them to maintain the authenticity of the dishes. These young entrepreneurs looked for substitutes on certain ingredients and have built relationships with local suppliers.
At present, Afford’aCup branches are strategically positioned at Muraqqabat Kabayat Night Market and Manila Building Al Satwa. The third branch in set to open at Al Nahda, Dubai next month.
For Cris, Ramona, Aiza and Jovito, the secret ingredient to the success of Afford’aCup is passion, determination, and love for Kapampangan culinary and heritage. And as they continue to expand their business in the global scene, they are thrilled to see where their entrepreneurial journey will take them next.